The Journal
Find out the latest from Frankie, read articles on helpful advice and tips, or just get to know her better here…
Dog Photography in Lancaster: Nobody Told Me About All the Hills (but it was worth every step!)
April also saw me visit the city of Lancaster, somewhere I had passed through many-a-time on the train but never stopped off at, at least since I was a child. You know the drill by now, I’m on my tour of 12 Northern English cities conducting 5 portrait sessions in each with the aim of making a 2026 calendar showcasing all the fantastic dogs of the North that put their best paw forward in front of my lens. Whew. The needle is also moving ever forward, with me so close to revealing the charity beneficiary of a portion of my calendar sales profits later in the year. In the meantime, please enjoy reading about the seven, yes seven, dogs I photographed in Lancaster. From a low-riding sausage to a bouncy dalmatian, Lancaster had it all. Combine that with a healthy dose of beautiful architecture then I was on to a sure fire winner here.
Durham Dog Photography: The Calendar Project Returns to the North East
Destination number five on my 2025 dog photography project was Durham, a city sat pretty on a hilly peninsula, known for its beautiful architecture, the river and a plethora of showstopping spots for photography. I was aghast to find out it had been just over 20 years since I had visited Durham last, well before I went to university myself, and if you’d have told me 20 years ago that the next time I would be back is to photograph dogs for a calendar project I would have never believed you!
Badger's Story: The Most Memorable Dog Photography Session at Crosby Beach
It was a very stimulating atmosphere for Badger to feel at ease and have fun as well as provide several points of interest for him to pose: the dunes, the rocks and the odd washed up tree trunk. Because the world simply does not have enough dog on a log photographs and I will die on that hill.
Photographing Rebel the Working Border Collie at Cragg House Farm, a Hidden Gem in Buttermere
There’s something incredibly humbling about spending time on a farm like this. It’s not curated, not polished. It’s real and oh so wholesome. And so are the dogs: no-nonsense, intelligent, and deeply bonded with the land and their handlers. Photographing a working dog like Rebel in this environment was less about posing (believe me, I tried once and he wasn’t having any of that - noted!) and so much more about honouring who he is: a dog with purpose who lives to work.
Urban Dog Photography in Liverpool: You’ll Never (Dog) Walk Alone
In early March, I returned to my hometown of Liverpool to photograph six incredible dogs for my upcoming 2026 Angels of the North dog calendar. I was spoiled for choice with iconic scouse backdrops, and it's reassuring to know I could return to Merseyside for future dog photography sessions without repeating the same scenes. When I shared my model call in a local Liverpool Facebook group, my inbox nearly exploded. That’s what I love about this city. Scousers really do support one of their own. Thank you to everyone who applied, you made my job brilliantly difficult. Not a bad problem to have.
York Dog Photography: Meet the Dogs who Turned it On for My Camera
Having already visited York to conduct some dog photography model sessions all the way back in January, I was all fired up to return and capture some show-stopping portraits of a whole new set of dogs in March. The historical city of York left me spoiled for choice for beautiful backdrops for dog photography, but I was also determined not to repeat the exact same set of images I captured earlier in the year. Turns out, I need not have worried as this time the sun was determined to up the ante for me as it is now rising so much earlier in the day.
How Dez Defied the Odds: From Bait Dog in Romania to Beloved Family Dog
⚠️ Trigger Warning: Animal Abuse This story includes sensitive content and images related to animal cruelty and abuse. Please proceed with caution if you are sensitive to these topics.
“Now then, what happened to your ears?” asked a lady sitting on a bench in Museum Gardens, York, when he had gently approached her looking for a fuss. It’s an oh-too-familiar question heard by Dez’s human. She explained, we all exchanged some dog stories, and then we went our separate ways.
“Do you get asked that a lot?” I already knew the answer.
Newcastle Dog Photography: Smashing It Out of the (St James') Park
As one of the most iconic cities in the North, Newcastle was an essential stop on my Angels of the North journey. It’s a place bursting with history, warmth, and some of the most stunning locations for dog photography. The city’s mix of modern and historic architecture provided endless inspiration, from the sweeping curves of the Quayside and the grandeur of the High Level Bridge and Castle to the intricate details of Central Arcade and the Theatre Royal. Be warned, Newcastle, I’ll be back. A lot.
Finding the Perfect Dog Groomer near Brampton, Cumbria: A Woofly Pawfect Experience
My afternoon at Woofly Pawfect showed me just how important a compassionate and caring touch is when grooming dogs. From the moment I walked in, I could see the team put the dogs’ comfort first. There was no rush, no stress, just patient and experienced hands making sure each dog felt at ease.
Dog Photography in Cumbria: A Stunning Start to 2025: Brampton & Carlisle Portrait Sessions
From professional recognition at The Societies of Photographers awards to intimate portrait sessions that celebrate the beauty of your dogs, these first two months have blown me away. Whether you're looking for dog photography in the countryside around Brampton, the Lake District, urban images in Carlisle, or sessions anywhere in Cumbria, I'm passionate about creating portraits that truly capture your dog's spirit.